Dagne Dover Charlie Version Comparison (2021 Edition)

Back in 2018, I posted an "old" and "new" Dagne Dover Charlie Tote comparison and discovered the existence of a third version—the post-March 2017 Charlie. Now that I have my hands on one, I'd like to share additional comparison photos to help demonstrate what to look for when evaluating secondhand Charlies. (Alas, the Charlie Tote style was discontinued by Dagne Dover in 2019.)

1. Charlie Without Emblem (released prior to March 2017): 

• 13 ½"L x 6.25"W x 15"H, 9" handle strap drop, 3.6 lbs
• Colors include Ivy (FW15), Onyx, Bone, and Oxblood

2. Charlie With Emblem and Tassel (released prior to March 2017): 

• 13 ½"L x 6.25"W x 15"H, 9" handle strap drop, precise weight unknown (but likely 3.6 lbs at a minimum)
• Colors include Pale Peach (SS16), Steel Gray Suede (FW16), Onyx, Bone, and Oxblood

3. Charlie With Emblem and no Tassel (released March 2017 or later): 

• 12 ½”L x 6”W x 15 ½H, 9" handle strap drop, 3.4 lbs
• Colors include Jasmine (SS17), Sand (SS17), Slate (FW17), Onyx, Bone, and Oxblood

I no longer own the emblem-free Charlie pictured above, but the only differences I noted at the time were a richer leather color on the emblem-free version and a two-ounce difference in weight. Click here to read more about it.

The differences between these versions and the 2017 version are more pronounced. Changes include:

• Reduced width/depth/weight, increased height
• No tassel
• Seam running down center of handles
• The bottom of the interior is lined with fabric instead of leather
• The laptop pocket zipper runs in the opposite direction
• The side interior pocket has leather trim

Pre-March 2017 (Oxblood), Post-March 2017 (Jasmine)

Seam running through strap (front and back)

Side slip pocket leather trim / different interior bottom materials

t h a t   p o s t u r e   t h o

Subjectively, the leather on the 2017 Jasmine Charlie (purchased second-hand in late 2020) feels thinner and more flexible than the leather on my pre-2017 Charlies. This could be due to years of regular wear, or it could be due to a deliberate change in materials to make the bag lighter. The Jasmine Charlie developed a pronounced slouch, whereas the others have retained their shape over the years.

If you're contemplating purchasing a secondhand Charlie, I hope this post can help you make your decision—especially if it's one of the core colors and you weren't sure when it was manufactured.  I would personally recommend the pre-2017 Charlies even though they're heavier and slightly larger. They were definitely built to last! 

Are you looking to buy used Dagne Dover items such as the Charlie Tote? Please consider using my Poshmark, Mercari, Tradesy, and/or thredUP referral codes to receive sign-up bonuses for yourself AND to support me and my shopping habit. (Your support is greatly appreciated.) 💜